The Great Prayer of Jesus by John W

October 2020 ISSUE 48 The Mission of the IE-Publicationmmaculata of the Militia of the Immaculata, USA

The Chambers of the Heart: Heroic Charity - PAGE 3

Live the Gospel of Life - PAGE 5

Witnessing God at Work - PAGE 9

The Great Prayer of Jesus By John W. Galten, MI National President Dear Knights of the Immaculata, Maria! So, we find ourselves in the month of October, still locked in the embrace of the pandemic, yet we raise our eyes to, as Paul says, “heavenly things.” This is the month of the Im- maculata’s gift to the Church, the holy Rosary, the Gospel prayer of pondering in our hearts, with her, all the things that Christ has said and done. It is also the month when we lift up our prayers to pray for an end to the incalculable tragedy of slaughter of the innocents—the scourge of abortion. Pray, pray the “The goal of the MI (the Holy Rosary, that this abomination might end and that we are moved to action abbreviation comes from the to reverse this terrible sign of Satan in our time. Remember also this is a crucial election season. Leave aside personalities and the pumped up rhetoric; read the Latin Militia Immaculatae, issues; and vote for the candidates who will best guarantee the protection of the or Militia of the Immaculata) unborn and vulnerable. Read the party platforms and by all means vote. We will conclude in this column the consideration on the Holy Spirit so is, in fact, to make sure that that we might better understand His role in our lives and how His Spouse, the Immaculata, cooperates with Him even now to bring all men into the Kingdom all become saints. In all this of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. activity, what strikes the eye We now come to St. John’s Chapter 17. Jesus is concluding His earthly mission. The time of teaching and working great signs is done. Now, He prays be- most of all is its Marian thrust. fore the great concluding sign—the Paschal Mystery: His suffering, death and This is a consequence of a Resurrection. In the concluding words of the Last Supper He prays. The Prom- ise of the Holy Spirit is made; now, the prayer is all that is left. It is one of the rare precise understanding of the times in which we overhear His words and intentions. What does He pray for? mission of the Immaculata.” He lifts His eyes to the Father and asks Him first that the Father give all men given to Him eternal life—the path to Trinitarian Communion. He prays that the (KW 1220) (continues on pg. 2)

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 1 John and all through the New Testa- See and Share Editorial ment, especially in St. Paul’s writings. But it is in St. John’s Gospel, that mys- the New MI Film! (continued from pg. 1) tical testimony (John 19.26-27), that Father glorify Him so that all men may the Holy Spirit and the Immaculata know that Jesus Himself is the Way to are linked, both promised to us as gift/ the Father. Jesus continues to pray for Gift. Praised be Jesus Christ! us that we know that we are in the Fa- Until next month, “Arise, let us be ther and in Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, on our way.” grafted into the eternal life which is to be “in” Heaven already. What cause for John W. Galten joy! Jesus prays that we have joy: the MI National President joy that comes from knowing the love and mercy of God which no one, not Announcement about This important even Satan, can take away from us as the MI National new short film, released on we remain in Him. the feast of St. Maximilian, Jesus prays that we not succumb Elective Assembly to the persecution that will come to Friday, August 14, us. Why? Because the world that hates At the request of the MI In- beautifully and eloquently God persecuted Him, and will perse- ternational President, the MI captures the essence of the MI: cute us who are His Church, His Mys- National Elective Assembly, total consecration tical Body in the world. He prays that scheduled for 2020, has been to the Immaculata we are sanctified, made holy, in the postponed due to the travel in the evangelical spirit Truth—the Father’s word is Truth. The Spirit of Truth, which Jesus has prom- ban and other restrictions. No of St. Maximilian Kolbe. ised in St. John’s Gospel, will come and date has been set yet. As soon confirm us in the Truth. That is the as plans are made possible, Gospel for which St. Maximilian was the MI National Office will Watch the Film! martyred and to which we give our- promptly announce the date. selves in faith. In imitation of Jesus, St. "Simply excellent!" All contributions and sugges- Maximilian goes to his death—a death "Inspirational!" for the Truth, but he goes as Christ did, tions previously submitted by filled with Divine Charity, witnessing MI members have been re- that the Truth is not ideology but a liv- corded and will be passed on Share the link ing, loving Truth, laying down his life for consideration. http://militiaoftheimmaculata. for love not just duty. This is the eter- com/mi-movie/ nal sign of the Truth—that love con- to the MI Film with as many quers all. people as possible! Jesus concludes His prayer for us by asking the Father that we come to know the Father’s love, as Jesus, the Forward the link to your family only begotten Son, knows His love. Daily Holy Mass and friends or promote the And how shall we know this love? will be offered throughout 2020 for the MI- new film by posting on your That is the gift of the Holy Spirit and USA and all MI Members at the City of the favorite social media platform! the Bride, the Immaculata, Mother and Immaculata established by St. Maximilian Kolbe near Warsaw, in Poland. model of the Church, who will plant Let's reach by word, Sacrament and grace the very Send your prayer intentions to be placed as many people being and presence of the Holy Trinity. in the MI Book of Intentions at the This promise of the Gifts of the Holy feet of Our Lady and St. Maximilian Kolbe’s as possible Spirit and His Spouse, the Immacula- first class relic: to win the world for Christ ta, can be found in the Gospel of St. [email protected] through the Immaculata!

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 2 the end of time, she is in our midst, reaching out to every one of her children and The Chambers journeying with each of us as we strive to be conformed to her Firstborn Son, to of the Heart build up His Kingdom on earth and fi- On a journey to living our nally to reach our heavenly Home. total consecration to the St. John Paul II spoke of her maternal charity on many occasions. The homily Blessed Virgin Mary he gave on May 13, 1982, at Fatima, is a - Part Four timeless source of inspiration. “From the time when Jesus, dying on the Cross, said Heroic Charity to John: ‘Behold, your mother’; from the time when ‘the disciple took her to his own home,’ the mystery of the spiritual “God is love. In this way the love of God new commandment: love one another. As I motherhood of Mary has been actual- was revealed to us: God sent His only Son have loved you, so you also should love one ized boundlessly in history. Motherhood into the world so that we might have life another” (Jn 13:34). This is the essence of means caring for the life of the child. through Him. In this is love: not that we who we are! The parable of the Good Sa- Since Mary is the mother of us all, her have loved God, but that He loved us and maritan (cf. Lk 10:25-37) and the account care for the life of man is universal. The sent His Son as expiation for our sins. Be- on the last judgment (cf. Mt 25:31-46) care of a mother embraces her child to- loved, if God so loved us, we also must love make it unmistakably clear. In fact, Jesus tally. Mary’s motherhood has its begin- one another” (1 Jn 4:8-11). Now we come went so far as to say that we love Him in ning in her motherly care for Christ. In to the core of our journey of transforma- loving one another: “You did it to me.” Christ, at the foot of the Cross, she action in Christ through total consecration to Mutual love became the distinctive sign cepted John, and in John she accepted all the Immaculata. by which the first disciples were recognized of us totally. Mary embraces us all with At the Last Supper, before His Passion, as the followers of Jesus (cf. Jn 13:35; Acts special solicitude in the Holy Spirit. For as the Lord Jesus opened His Heart to the 2:42-47; 4:32-35) and by which we are, or we profess in our Creed, He is ‘the Giver Apostles (cf. Jn 13-17). He spoke openly of are not, identified with Him today. For- of life.’ It is He who gives the fullness of who He is, what the Father sent Him to do, giveness of one’s enemies (cf. Lk 6:27-38) is life, open toward eternity. Mary's spiritu- how Father and Son are one in love, and the ultimate sign of our identification with al motherhood is therefore a sharing in the how we, His Mystical Body, are to share in Him who spoke words of forgiving mercy power of the Holy Spirit, of the ‘Giver of this oneness through the Love who is the even from the Cross. Saints, martyrs and life.’” Holy Spirit, whom Father and Son give us teachers of the faith have plunged into the St. Maximilian Kolbe saw in the Im- to remain with us forever. riches of our Faith and always found that maculata the “quasi incarnation” of the In light of His farewell discourse, we charity stands at its source, at its core, and Holy Spirit, so united with Him as to may contemplate the whole of Jesus’ life will last forever (1 Cor 13:1-13). be the human creature in whom Divine and ministry recounted in the Gospel: He Unquestionably, the Immaculate Heart Love is almost embodied and made visi- is the Son of God incarnate, Love made vis- of Mary, filled with the Spirit of Love, is ble, the docile instrument through whom ible. His preaching and teaching, His heal- the human heart that most perfectly re- He carries out His sanctifying mission in ing and feeding, forgiving and restoring to flects her Son’s Heart. Moved by charity, souls. During his spiritual exercises, St. new life… every detail is a revelation of His she consented to become His Mother at the Maximilian kept short notes of his re- Heart. As we contemplate Him with eyes of Annunciation, she went “in haste” to serve flections and resolutions. The one dated faith, we may exclaim with St. John that in- Elizabeth, she interceded with her Son at October 6-14, 1937, states: “Da teipsum deed we have heard and seen with our eyes, the wedding feast of Cana, she followed aliis = amor (Give yourself to others = looked upon and touched with our hands Him in the background during His public love)” (KW 983). Even if he never spoke Love made flesh (cf. 1 Jn 1:1-2). ministry, but stood at the foot of the Cross of them publicly, he certainly treasured We come to see the logical conse- on Calvary. We picture her present with the memory of the “two crowns” of puri- quence: “If God so loved us, we also must compassionate love amid the early Church, ty and sacrificial love that Our Lady had love one another” (1 Jn 4:11). This is Jesus’ encouraging the disciples and displaying offered him at the onset of his life. testament at the Last Supper: “I give you a her maternal care. She never stopped! Until (continues on pg. 4)

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 3 giving witness to the “charity of truth” Pray, Ponder, Propose in our secularized society. As we strive Take some time every day during to be faithful to Jesus, to the Faith, we this month to reflect on the fourth may experience rejection, isolation, Chamber of the Heart – Heroic Charity. ridicule, and suffering. If this prospect should make us fearful, Our Lady re- ✓ Invoke the Holy Spirit. echoes the words of Jesus in our hearts: “Do not be afraid! I am with you al- As you re-read the paragraphs about ways.” He nourishes us by His Body ✓ and Blood and strengthens us by the Jesus and Mary’s heroic charity, gift of the Holy Spirit so that we may consider the Gospel passages be set free by the light of Truth and let quoted. Feel free to recall other it shine in the world. accounts that are implied. Look As we embrace St. Maximilian’s them up, ponder them in prayer, legacy ever more deeply, through our and let the Word of God speak to total consecration to the Immacula- your heart. ta, our hearts find the surest path to by Matthew Alderman ©Militia Immaculatae, Inc being molded by the Holy Spirit into ✓ Read the Catechism of the Catholic Heroic Charity the likeness of the Heart of her Son, Church nos. 826; 864; 963-970; 1822- Love made flesh. By her powerful in- 1829; 1970; 2011; 2196; 2447; 2838- (continued from pg. 3) tercession, Our Lady invites a greater 2845. As a man, a Franciscan priest and a outpouring of the Spirit of Love in our souls. The Holy Spirit, in turn, makes of missionary, he let himself be led con- ✓ Identify some quotations in The stantly by the Holy Spirit along the us Eucharistic persons, who “become Writings of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe what we celebrate, eat and adore”–an- path of discipleship. In and through that may inspire us in living heroic Our Lady, he allowed the Holy Spir- other Christ in the world. Through our charity in our daily life: KW 884, 925, it to make of him “another Christ,” a union with her, Our Lady teaches us Eucharistic man. Day in and day out, to look at every person with God’s gaze, 983, 987 E and H, 991 R, 1075, 1205, Maximilian trained his heart for the to see and love her Son in every person. 1238, 1295, 1296, 1318. greater measure of love, which is giv- Thus, practicing thecorporal and spiri- ing one’s life for others. In the summer tual works of mercy becomes the prac- ✓ Questions for reflection: First, I place of 1941, he was ready to hear the in- tical way for experiencing one of the myself under the loving and merciful terior call to offer his very life for an- most beautiful goals of our total con- gaze of Jesus and let gratitude fill other Auschwitz prisoner condemned secration: our “becoming like her,” let- my heart. From this standpoint, how to death. In the dark bunker of starva- ting her “live and love in us,” through do I understand “Heroic charity” in tion, he truly became “alter Christus.” our hearts. As our Mother, companion light of Scripture, the Catechism and “Fr. Maximilian did not die but gave and leader, she walks with us every step the teachings and example of St. his life for… his brother,” as St. John of the way, encouraging and inspiring Maximilian? In which areas of my life Paul II stated at his canonization, and us, interceding for us, inviting us to be- and relationships should I grow in thus became a sign and prophet of the come an extension of her presence and practicing kindness, sacrificial love, civilization of love. a reflection of her heart for every per- and forgiveness? How may I allow son we encounter. By the creative pow- We stand on the shoulders of this Our Lady to express her maternal humble giant. We might not be called er of the Holy Spirit, in union with our presence through my words and to the martyrdom of blood, like St. Immaculate Mother, we become who actions? Maximilian and many of our brothers we are: children of God, living mem- and sisters in Christ have throughout bers of the Body of Christ, living wit- the centuries, but we are called to the nesses of that heroic charity which will ✓ Take your journal and put down in humble martyrdom (that is, witness) ultimately transform the world into a writing what may be relevant for of heroic charity. Most likely, we will civilization of love. your journey at this time. be called to the martyrdom of “the Antonella Di Piazza, FKMI blood of our soul,” which results from (to be continued) ✓ Close with a prayer.

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 4 has made us responsible” (EV 87). The Excerpts from Evangelium vitae, © 1995, Libreria Gospel of life is intrinsic to the whole Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Scriptural excerpts from Lectionary for Christian life and foundational to the Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, sec- decisions we make on a daily basis. ond typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, For, “the Gospel of God’s love for man, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; the Gospel of the dignity of the person Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International and the Gospel of life are a single and Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © indivisible Gospel” (EV 2, emphasis 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, added). Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. In his encyclical on the Gospel of life, Pope St. John Paul II recognizes Demand a COVID-19 the full range of threats against human Vaccine Free from life, from poverty and malnutrition to Abortion murder and war. He places particular There is absolutely no reason why emphasis, however, on threats to life at a vaccine for COVID-19 should be its beginning and end—precisely when connected to abortion. But that is ex- Twenty-five years ago, Pope St. it is most in need of protection. In actly what may happen in the coming John Paul II wrote that the Gospel of modern times, children in their moth- months. Among the dozens of vaccines life is at the heart of Jesus’ saving mes- ers’ wombs and those approaching the currently in development, some are be- sage to the world (Evangelium vitae end of their lives are certainly among ing produced using old cell lines that 1). In taking on human flesh, dwelling the “least of these” in our world’s es- were created from the cells of aborted among us, and sacrificing His very life timation. Practices such as abortion babies. for our redemption, Christ reveals the and assisted suicide tragically reject There is NO NEED to further ex- profound dignity of every human per- the truth that human life is always to ploit the bodies of aborted children. son. This God-given dignity does not be cherished and defended with loving Other cell lines or processes that change with our stage of life, abilities, concern. do not involve cells from abortions level of independence, or any other As the Church celebrates the 25th are available! In fact, they are regular- varying circumstance. anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II’s ly used for producing vaccines and are Rather, it is rooted in the perma- prophetic encyclical, let us reflect on being used by some drug companies to nent fact that each of us is made in the how we personally live out the Gospel: develop a COVID-19 vaccine. image and likeness of God, created to The U.S. Conference of Catholic share in the very life of God Himself. Do I talk about and act toward oth- Bishops (USCCB) along with leaders The human person is a “manifesta- ers as I would talk about and treat Je- of many healthcare, bioethics, and pro- tion of God in the world, a sign of His sus Himself? Do I inform myself of the life organizations, is urging the federal presence, a trace of His glory” (EV 34). Church’s teachings and engage in the government to make sure that vaccines And we must reflect this truth in how civic arena as first a follower of Christ? for COVID-19 are developed ethically we act and how we treat one another. Do I support and advocate for laws and and are free from any connection to the The truth of the Gospel of life is at policies that protect and defend human exploitation of abortion. They express the foundation of who we are as fol- life? Do I help pregnant and parenting strong support for efforts to develop lowers of Christ. In His earthly life, mothers in need? Am I ready to support an effective, safe, and widely available Jesus provided the perfect model for a loved one nearing death? vaccine as quickly as possible, but also how we are to love our neighbor and strongly urge the federal government to live out the Gospel call: “Truly, I say to Through the intercession of Our “ensure that fundamental moral prin- you, as you did it to one of the least of Lady of Guadalupe, may Our Lord ciples are followed in the development these my brethren, you did it to me” grant us the grace to truly and cou- of such vaccines, most importantly, the (Mt 25:40). rageously live His Gospel of life. principle that human life is sacred and Jesus calls each of us to “care for (USCCB, Secretariat of Pro-Life should never be exploited.” the other as a person for whom God Activities)

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 5 Invite Friends to be consecrated to Our Lady!

Behold Your Mother: An MI Village Evangelization Initiative The Path to Total Consecration to Our Lady in the Spirit of 2020 has been a challenging we pray that Americans all over St. Maximilian Kolbe year for the faithful. We have seen this nation re-embrace Christ and our churches closed for months. His Gospel message. Let’s pray for This beautiful 56-page booklet may be used individually or as a group activity (in a We have been prevented for the a conversion of the United States of home or parish setting, for example), or as a first time in our lifetimes from the America. Let’s together, as Our La- series of classes led by a facilitator, or during a Eucharist, from Confessions, from dy’s Militia, evangelize all we meet day of preparation for MI consecration to Our Lady. If you can offer a series of meetings, you having Baptisms, Christian Wed- and introduce them to Jesus. We can read each chapter with the group and in- dings, Funeral Services, and Last sometimes shall use words, and we vite the participants to reflect and comment Rites. Confirmation Masses and sometimes wear our sentiments on on it. Alternatively, you can invite them to read each chapter beforehand and come to- even Holy Orders had been delayed our chests! gether for discussion. in 2020. Some of us are still unable Please contact Joe Cascone at: Many people have expressed the desire to visit with family members be- [email protected] to promote total consecration to Mary in cause of coronavirus and the poli- with sizes of men's and women's their parish and local area. The Path to Total Consecration offers you an effective tool for cies that seem to say that CHURCH long-sleeve T-Shirts for your Village making that possible! is less essential than many other as- Knights. This is NOT a fundraiser Now available in audio book form. pects of society. of any sort. Donations are $10 per The suggested donation for multi- shirt and shipping is extra. ple copies of the booklet is $1.00/ea. plus As Knights of the Militia of the shipping; for a single copy, the suggest- Immaculata, we are called to evan- Joe Cascone ed donation is $3.75 shipping included. gelize. We ought to partake in some Cell phone: (708) 560-7767 form of communal and individu- al apostolates. One way to do that is literally to wear your devotional sentiments on your chest. One MI Village is helping us do that.

JESUS IS ESSENTIAL long- sleeved T-shirts are being worn by MI Knights and they are garnering the attention of many admirers. Americans appreciate the message Order copies of both today from the that Jesus is more essential now MI National Office: than ever before. We have a nation- [email protected] al election coming very soon and Or call: 331-223-5564

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 6 St. John Paul II to Youth

As we continue to honor the 100th anniversary of St. John Paul II's The restoration of a proper sense of sin is the birth, we recall how he proclaimed the Gospel call to penance and first way of facing the grave spiritual crisis reconciliation with God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. looming over man today. But the sense of sin In his 1984 Apostolic Letter on the subject, he stated that over the course of generations, the can only be restored through a clear remind- Christian mind has gained from the Gospel as it is read in the ecclesial community a fine sensi- er of the unchangeable principles of reason tivity and an acute perception of the seeds of death contained in sin, as well as a sensitivity and and faith which the moral teaching of the an acuteness of perception for identifying them in the thousand guises under which sin shows Church has always upheld. There are good itself. This is what is commonly called the sense of sin. This sense is rooted in man's moral grounds for hoping that a healthy sense of conscience and is, as it were, its thermometer. It is linked to the sense of God, since it derives sin will once again flourish, especially in the from man's conscious relationship with God as his Creator, Lord and Father. Hence, just as it Christian world and in the Church. This will is impossible to eradicate completely the sense of God or to silence the conscience completely, be aided by sound catechetics, illuminated by so the sense of sin is never completely eliminated. Nevertheless, it happens not infrequently in the biblical theology of the covenant, by an history, for more or less lengthy periods and under the influence of many different factors, that attentive listening and trustful openness to the moral conscience of many people becomes seriously clouded. the Magisterium of the Church, which never ceases to The Eclipse of Conscience and Loss of Sense of Sin enlighten consciences, Is it not true that modern man is threatened by an eclipse of conscience? By a deformation of and by an ever more conscience? Too many signs indicate that such an eclipse exists in our time. This is all the more careful practice of disturbing in that conscience, the most secret core and sanctuary of a man, is strictly related to the Sacrament of human freedom. For this reason conscience constitutes the basis of man's interior dignity and of Penance. his relationship to God. Why has this happened in our time? A glance at certain aspects of contemporary culture can help us to understand the progressive weakening of the sense of sin, precisely because of the crisis of conscience and crisis of the sense of God. Root Causes Secularism is by nature and definition a movement of ideas and behavior which advocates a humanism totally without God, completely centered upon the cult of action and production and caught up in the heady enthusiasm of consumerism and pleasure seeking, unconcerned with the danger of losing one's soul. This secularism cannot but undermine the sense of sin. At the very most, sin will be reduced to what offends man. But it is precisely here that we are faced with the bitter experience that man can build a world without God, but this world will end by turning against him. Historical and Moral Relativism Another reason for the disappearance of the sense of sin in contemporary society is to be found in the errors made in evaluating certain findings of the human sciences. Thus on the basis of certain affirmations of psychology, concern to avoid creating feelings of guilt or to place limits on freedom leads to a refusal ever to admit any shortcoming. A certain cultural anthropology so emphasizes the undeniable environmental and historical conditioning and influences which act upon man, that it reduces his responsibility to the point of not acknowledging his ability to perform truly human acts and therefore his ability to sin. The sense of sin also easily declines as a result of a system of ethics deriving from a certain historical relativism. This may take the form of an ethical system which relativizes the moral norm, denying its absolute and unconditional value, and as a consequence denying that there can be intrinsically illicit acts independent of the circumstances.

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 7 Reflection on October Act of Total MI Intention Consecration to the Immaculata (Prayer composed by St. Maximilian Kolbe) O Immaculata, please intercede that we may proclaim and give witness to teh Gospel with all our resources and complete dedication. O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven “Go into the whole world and pro- His disciples and sends us on a mission and earth, refuge of sinners and claim the Gospel to every creature.” to the world and to its peoples.” our most loving Mother, God has (Mk 16:15) St. Maximilian Kolbe providential- willed to entrust the entire order of ly started the Militia of the Immaculata mercy to you. I, (name), a repentant During the month of October, we precisely in the month of October. Our celebrate Mission Sunday. On this oc- Founder points out the secure path that sinner, cast myself at your feet casion, popes have offered special mes- we must follow, that is, to draw closer humbly imploring you to take me sages to help us understand the im- to Our Lady, who was the first mission- with all that I am and have, wholly plications of our Christian identity as ary as she set out and traveled to the hill to yourself as your possession and country in haste to a town of Judah (cf. baptized and confirmed members of property. Please make of me, of the Mystical Body of Christ. In his 2020 Lk 1:39). He stated that the purpose of all my powers of soul and body, of Message the Pope reminded us that “the the MI is “commitment for the conversion missionary journey of the whole Church of sinners and of non-Catholics, and for my whole life, death and eternity, continues in light of the words found in the sanctification of all. In other words, whatever most pleases you. the account of the calling of the proph- love toward all people, regardless of differ- If it pleases you, use all that I am et Isaiah: Here am I, send me (6:8). This ences of faith and nationality, with a view and have without reserve, wholly to drawing them closer to the happiness is the ever new response to the Lord’s to accomplish what was said of you: question: Whom shall I send? (ibid.). In that only closeness to God, the source of this context, the call to mission, the invi- all happiness, and concrete love for God, “She will crush your head,” and, “You tation to step out of ourselves for love of that is, sanctification, can afford. And all alone have destroyed all heresies in God and neighbor presents itself as an that under the protection and through the world.” opportunity for sharing, service and in- the mediation of the Most Blessed Virgin Let me be a fit instrument in your tercessory prayer. The mission that God Mary Immaculate, who was established immaculate and merciful hands entrusts to each one of us leads us to a by God Mediatrix of all graces. In fact, no for introducing and increasing renewed realization that we find our- one converts or is sanctified without the selves precisely when we give ourselves grace of God, for it is the grace of God that your glory to the maximum in all to others. In the sacrifice of the cross, brings about conversion and sanctifica- the many strayed and indifferent where the mission of Jesus is fully action, provided that the soul wishes to col- souls, and thus help extend as far complished (cf. Jn 19:28-30), God shows laborate with such grace. For this reason, as possible the blessed Kingdom us that His love is for each and every one therefore, one can speak neither of con- of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. of us (cf. Jn 19:26-27). He asks us to be version nor of sanctification without the For wherever you enter, you obtain personally willing to be sent, because He help of the Immaculata, the Mother of di- Himself is Love, love that is always on vine grace. Indeed, the closer one comes to the grace of conversion and growth mission, always reaching out in order to this Dispenser of divine graces, the more in holiness, since it is through your give life. Out of His love for us, God the graces one obtains, the more easily one is hands that all graces come to us Father sent His Son Jesus (cf. Jn 3:16). made holy and contributes to the sanctifi- from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus is the Father’s Missionary: His life cation of others. It is logical, then, that we and ministry reveal His total obedience should be committed to the work of con- V. Allow me to praise you, O sacred Virgin. to the Father’s will (cf. Jn 4:34; 6:38; version and sanctification of souls under 8:12-30; Heb 10:5-10). Jesus, crucified the protection and through the mediation R. Give me strength against your enemies. and risen for us, draws us in turn into of the Immaculata.” (cf. KW 1226). His mission of love, and with His Spirit which enlivens the Church, He makes us (from the MI International Office)

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 8 We spent the next ten days travel- ing Italy, learning about the MI, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and praying. What I didn’t mention to the group was that, in those ten days, I was managing a transition in my career. A few years prior, I had left Brooklyn, NY, where I had a successful documentary business to move to Minnesota to start a family. I was working to re-start my film business from Minnesota (Azize Films), and trying to get some more work that would allow me to continue sharing Catholic stories.

On the last day on the trip, I ca- sually shared some of my work at our Witnessing God at Work morning breakfast with Antonella and MI Member and MI Film producer shares his story. John. We discussed the possibility of a film and prayed together for the funds Hello MI members! to allow. My name is Cliff Azize. I would work through my wife before. Her love to take a moment to share with birthday is October 13, the same day It was amazing. We were witness- you my story of how I learned about anniversary Our lovely Lady decid- ing God at work. From winning the this fantastic establishment, was con- ed to bless Fatima, Portugal, with Her trip to choosing the Italy Pilgrimage secrated to Our Lady, and eventually presence. (thanks to my wife… I would have led to creating the documentary “Mi- been in the Holy land, if left up to me) litia of the Immaculata.” The night ended, and we were to the consecration, it was all pointing God had His hand in this journey thrilled. We spent the drive home dis- me in the direction of this documenta- the entire way. cussing the options explained to us, ry. In the end, the funds were donated trying to decide where we wanted to by an anonymous benefactor, and we In 2017, My wife Chelsey and I go! Ultimately, I wanted to leave the were on our way. The film would hap- were invited to the Catholic Radio decision up to Chelsey, because, like I pen. station Relevant Radio’s annual fund- mentioned, this was her win through Clifford Azize raising banquet. We were looking for- God, and it only felt right that His ward to a night away together, as we grace would continue through her. have two small children and excited Chelsey wanted to go to Italy, so we to raise money for this amazing cause. did. So, upon arrival, my wife and I set off to find the wine (wife) beer (me) and After working with the representa- raffle tickets and decided to purchase tive to book the trip, we learned this 2 for the drawing. I asked my wife to pilgrimage was a little different. Those fill out the tickets, as her luck was bet- joining will celebrate the 100th an- ter than mine, and we would need it if niversary of the MI (we had no idea CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MI MOVIE we wanted to win the grand prize of what that meant at the time), but a Spiritual Pilgrimage to a location of gladly agreed. When we arrived at the our choosing. And it worked; we won. airport, we were greeted by the most friendly faces and learned the majority I want to digress here to mention of the travelers were part of this orga- briefly that I have witnessed Christ nization as well.

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 9 forgave before the Heavenly Father even those who were crucifying Him, ATTENTION because—just as Jesus said—they did not know what they were doing [cf. Lk MI MEMBERS! 23:24]. Would you share the MI Film These poor people, therefore, need with your local TV station? light, a great deal of supernatural light, of supernatural energy. They are un- happy, discontented, because they take as their ultimate goal what is only a means and therefore, after reaching the happiness to which they aspire, cannot find what they were looking for. And they continue to search with a dejected heart, with bitterness in their souls. How can we fail to reach out to them? How can we not help them pla- Members of the MI, specif- by William H. Mary Hale cate their hearts, lift their minds above ically in the United States, can The MI and Our Time all that passes toward the one ultimate use their local community access

Written in 1939, this short article offers a purpose, God. Love for one’s neighbor media organizations to share the very timely message (KW 1237). pushes those souls who have already “The heart of man is restless until found the true ideal of life not to forget film. Public access cable television it rests in Thee, O God,” asserted St. their brothers and sisters around them. stations, as a platform to share the Augustine many centuries ago. With One of the many associations that speech and ideas of the communi- no exaggeration, the years that we are practice this love of one’s neighbor ty they serve, generally welcome living may be called restless. And the is the Militia of the Immaculata. It is submissions of programs by the reason for that is not at all different. called “of the Immaculata” because public. Communist atheism seems to be rag- its members have given themselves ing on always more rowdily and does without restrictions to the Most Bless- To share the MI film with your everything in order to sow, wherever ed Virgin Mary Immaculate, that she community, all you need to do is it can, its reactionary prejudices. At its herself may work in them and through to contact your local station and origin, we may easily locate that crimi- them and, through them, shower other find out what rules they have for nal mafia called Freemasonry. souls with the graces of supernatural submitting a program - nearly That does not mean that even light, strength and happiness. More- all stations will allow you to sub- among subscribed atheists there are over, it is called “Militia” because it only foolish people; or that among cannot afford to rest, but rather intends mit your program for free, but the supporters of the inane fashion of to conquer hearts for the Immaculata some may require that you fill out the fist raised against one’s neighbor by way of love, and through her, for the agreements or record short videos or against the Creator there are solely Divine Heart of Jesus and, ultimately, to be included as part of the film. careerists with nothing but a feeling for the heavenly Father. of protest in the depths of their souls. Are you already a member of the In this regard, I am reminded of a fact hosts of this Militia? Would you like Please contact that occurred a few years ago. An agi- to give a helping hand to your neigh- the MI National Office tator was telling me about his boldness bors? as an unbeliever when he made pro- Offer yourself up to the Immacu- to obtain permission and nouncements during the rallies; in the lata as well! Let her work through you the MI Film file end, however, he added: “Yet I did not and you shall disseminate much hap- think that way.” piness on earth even during this our for TV viewing. In short, the real villains, the ill-in- time. To many a restless soul, you will Thank you! tentioned who sin with full knowledge, give peace and serenity in God. [email protected] are relatively few. The Savior Himself Maximilian Kolbe

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 48 © Militia of the Immaculata 10 The Writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe VOLUME I: LETTERS • VOLUME II: VARIOUS WRITINGS At long last the complete works of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in English: accurate, readable and The Definitive English Edition! with explanatory introduction and footnotes. Saint Maximilian Kolbe died at Auschwitz Concentration Camp as a Both scholars and general readers will find this “Martyr of Charity” in 1941. The Polish-born Franciscan Friar had edition of the Writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe an spent the previous twenty-three years as a priest, evangelizer, media inspiring practical aid for learning what this Franciscan saint has mogul, social commentator, missionary, and religious reformer. His life’s contributed to the study of Mariology and living the consecration work cut short at age 47, St. Kolbe nonetheless left behind an impressive to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. May the translators’ work contribute body of writings. In the 1950s the English-speaking world first began to a renewal of Kolbean studies in the English speaking world. reading bits and pieces of those writings translated from the original — Fr. Peter D. Fehlner, OFM Conv. Polish, Italian, and Latin. Now, at long last, devotees and scholars alike can find the entire wide-ranging array those writings collected together Hardcover edition may be ordered from in a two-volume compendium published by Nerbini International. MarytownGiftShop.com - Click Here Order e-Book Online at BarnesandNoble.com or Amazon.com. MI RESOURCES Available from the MI National Center

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